Early Learning Center
“The children of today will be the leaders of tomorrow.”
The Early Learning Center has been developing leaders for the York community for more than 90 years. We offer full- and part-time programs for children ages 3 months to 12 years old. All educational and childcare programs are conducted in age-appropriate classes that promote small class sizes.
Open Monday through Friday from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Curriculum
We embrace a differential attention approach called Creative Curriculum, which focuses on physical, cognitive, social, emotional, cultural, artistic, and motor skills development. Creative Curriculum equips staff to successfully meet the individual development of each child and ensures that each child feels successful and confident in any environment. It also prepares children for academics, life skill improvements, and good citizenship.
We also collaborate with local organizations to incorporate forward-thinking, STEAM-focused programming (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). Innovative activities and workshops are implemented in a manner conducive to each age group to develop well-rounded students, grow their interest in STEAM topics, and help them excel in their academic future.
Beyond the Curriculum
Children’s skill levels are regularly assessed to ensure quality of care and that developmental milestones are met. The Ounce Scale, used for every infant and toddler, offers a meaningful way to evaluate and document children’s growth, accomplishments, areas of difficulty, and temperament. The Ounce Scale is organized around six major development areas including personal connections, feelings about self, relationships with other children, understanding and communicating, exploration and problem solving, and movement and coordination.
The Work Sampling System is used to document and assess our preschool children’s skills, knowledge, behavior and accomplishments. Child Service Reports are used for school-aged students to demonstrate what they know through a series of “evaluations” while they are at work in the classroom learning, interacting, and building. This system allows our teachers to learn more about each student and make informed decisions about how to guide instruction.
Facility
Our Early Learning Center features a rooftop playground, dedicated art and music rooms, multi-purpose room, and two infant, two toddler, four preschool, and three after-school classrooms. We think the Center is pretty special – but come see for yourself! Take a virtual tour or ask if the center director can arrange an in-person tour, so you can see our learning spaces with your own eyes.
If you have any questions, you can reach our Center by calling 717-718-9620 or emailing elcinquiry@crispusattucks.org.
We are proud to be one of only nine NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accredited centers in York County.
Based on a multi-step process of continuous evaluation and improvement, NAEYC accreditation is the most comprehensive in the field, ensuring that our programs are informed by research and demonstrate high-quality standards.
We are rated at the highest site level, Star 4, by the PA Keystone STARS Quality Improvement Program.
Keystone STARS is a continuous quality improvement systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in early and school-age care and education programs. The Program evaluates childcare centers based on Standards, Training/Professional Development, Assistance, Resources and Support.